Merino sheep are a mountain breed and their natural habitat is dry, open, mountainous range. It is in their nature to roam free. They like dry, temperate climates, because they need dry feet and dry coats to remain healthy. Confinement causes the animals great stress and the lack of exposure to the elements of their natural habitat significantly reduces the quality of their fleece.
It was the dry cold and heat which stimulated the Merino to grow the luxuriant fleece for which they were so famous.
The constant damp and cold of England and other European countries does not agree with them. The ideal climates are in Australia and New Zealand, where most Merinos can be found today.
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